NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Over four years after the crime, the suspect of a Newport News homicide faced a jury. On Monday, they recommend he spend 18 years behind bars.
On January 1, 2015, police were dispatched to a BP gas station on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News for a shooting. On the scene, officers found 23-year-old Jerrod Reid suffering from a gunshot wound.
Reid was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
At the time, officers received information from a witness about a person of interest and a possible vehicle that was involved.
After further investigating, on January 7, 2015, homicide detectives arrested 28-year-old Rishaud Powell at his home in Newport News for the murder of Reid. Powell was charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Last week, March 15, 2019, Powell was convicted of second-degree murder and use of a firearm for the 2015 incident.
On Monday, the jury of Powell's trial recommended a sentence of 13 years for the homicide and five years for the firearms charge. However, a presentence report must be completed before the official sentencing on July 12.
“NNPD homicide detectives, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and other team members here at the NNPD have dedicated many hours to this case and I commend them for their perseverance in seeing that justice was served. Although this news certainly can’t bring the victim back, we hope that the outcome will bring some closure to the family,” said Chief of Police, Steve Drew. “Thank you also to the citizen who came forward. This is an excellent example of how we, the Police Department, can work together with the community to keep Newport News safe,” added Drew.
